Obligation to have prescription drug insurance coverage
Everyone who is permanently settled in Québec must have prescription drug insurance coverage at all times. Any child under age 18 temporarily staying in Québec for more than 6 months must also be covered.
Types of insurance
Two types of insurance plans provide this coverage:
- the public plan, that is, the one administered by RAMQ
- private plans (group insurance or employee benefit plans)
If you are settled in Québec and eligible for a private plan, you must join that plan and provide coverage under it for your spouse and children. Only those persons who are not eligible for a private plan may register for the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan.
If you are temporarily staying in Québec and are age 18 and older, you are not eligible for the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan administered by RAMQ. You can register with a private insurer. However, children under age 18 residing in Québec for more than months are eligible for the public plan.
CHECK WHETHER YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE PUBLIC PRESCRIPTION DRUG INSURANCE PLAN
Prescription drug coverage is essential
Prescription drug insurance is mandatory! Did you know?
If you are settled in Québec on a permanent basis, you must at all times be covered by a prescription drug insurance plan, whether or not you purchase prescription drugs.
There are two types of plans: the public plan managed by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec or else private plans available through your employer, a professional group, such as an association, order or union or your spouse or parents.
Public plan or private plan, which is required for you?
If you are under age 65 and can access a private plan, you have to join it and provide coverage under it for your spouse and children. This is unless they are covered by another private plan. Then, you must deregister from the public plan if you are registered. And please remember that you are responsible for doing so.
If you don’t have access to a private plan, you have to register with the public plan.
Only when you reach 65 can you choose between the public plan and your private plan.
It’s simple: prescription drug insurance is mandatory! Are you covered?
Go to our website where you can:
- check whether you are eligible for the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan
- register with the public plan or deregister from it, depending on your situation
www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca
Found a new job or completed your studies?
Going through a separation or found a new spouse?
Are you sure you’ve got the right prescription drug coverage?
Regardless of the changes in your life, these events can have a bearing on your prescription drug insurance.
It’s up to you to validate your registration and take the necessary steps with RAMQ, if needed. Neither your pharmacist nor Revenu Québec will update your file for you.
What do you need to do? It’s easy!
If you currently have access to a private prescription drug insurance plan, you have to join it. You also have to deregister from the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan.
Conversely, if you no longer qualify for a private plan, you have to register with the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan.
It’s important, so take the time to check your situation!
Go to our website, where you can:
- check your eligibility for the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan
- register with the public plan, or deregister, depending on your situation
www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca